Reeling from their first El Clásico defeat of the Hansi Flick era, Barcelona will look to get their season back on track when they host Elche on Sunday.
A difficult October saw Flick’s side lose as many matches as they had in the previous eight months combined. The humbling loss to Real Madrid has left the Catalan club five points adrift of their rivals in the early La Liga title race. With Xabi Alonso’s team in formidable form, the defending champions are under pressure to turn their fortunes around quickly.
The situation is compounded by a significant injury crisis. Key players Raphinha and Joan García remain unavailable, and the club suffered a further blow in El Clásico when midfielder Pedri sustained a hamstring injury that will sideline him for up to two months. However, the impending returns of Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo offer a much-needed boost.
In Pedri’s absence, Frenkie de Jong is expected to assume a more central playmaking role, creating opportunities for La Masia graduates like Marc Casadó and Marc Bernal to secure more first-team minutes.
Predicted Barcelona Lineup vs. Elche
GK: Wojciech Szczęsny – The veteran was a rare bright spot in El Clásico, making nine saves, including one from Kylian Mbappé’s penalty.
RB: Jules Koundé – After a stellar 2024-25 campaign, the Frenchman has been prone to errors this season. His place in the starting lineup could be at risk if his form does not improve.
CB: Ronald Araújo – While Flick has been reluctant to deploy Araújo at center back due to occasional mistakes, his physicality and ability to defend in space are qualities the team has recently lacked.
CB: Pau Cubarsí – The teenager has appeared less comfortable since the departure of Iñigo Martínez but remains the team’s best available option at center back.
LB: Alejandro Balde – Despite a relatively quiet season, Balde’s quality is undisputed, and he remains a fixture in Flick’s starting eleven.
CM: Marc Casadó – With Pedri sidelined, the La Masia graduate is set for an extended run in the team. Casadó impressed when covering for an injured De Jong last season and will aim to solidify his place in the midfield.
CM: Frenkie de Jong – De Jong will be tasked with orchestrating Barcelona’s play from midfield, stepping into the primary creative role vacated by Pedri.
RW: Lamine Yamal – Still nursing a nagging groin injury, the team’s No. 10 will be looking to shift the focus back to his on-pitch contributions after a period of off-field distractions.
AM: Fermín López – Coming off a Champions League hat-trick and a goal against Real Madrid, the dynamic attacker is in excellent form and will look to continue his momentum.
LW: Marcus Rashford – The England international has made a strong start to his Barcelona career, contributing a goal or assist in six of the team’s last seven matches while filling in for Raphinha.
ST: Ferran Torres – After a strong start to the season, the forward’s form has dipped. With Robert Lewandowski returning to the squad, Torres’s starting position is under increasing pressure.
